Chem

Siven Najem

Hour 5

Osteoporosis: Marissa, Jeremy and Eleanor

Marissa:

1. Bone is broken down and built up all the time. This occurs on the surface of all bone types. About 10% of bone is replaced each year. Osteoblasts build bone. Osteoclasts break it down. Calcium is needed for this process.

2. Our bodies continually remove small amounts of calcium from our bones and replace it with new calcium, a bone "remodeling" process. If the body removes more calcium from bones than it replaces, they slowly become weaker and more prone to breaking.

3. Increased blood calcium levels stimulate the secretion of calcitonin from the thyroid and activate osteoblasts to build bone thereby reducing blood calcium levels back to within their normal range.

4. Decreased blood calcium levels stimulate the parathyroid glands to release PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) which activate Osteoclasts which degrade bone and release calcium into the blood stream thereby raising blood calcium levels.

5. In osteoporosis, the osteoclasts are breaking down bone faster than the osteoblasts are building it up - which results in bone porosity which results in increased risk of fractures from stress and trauma.

6. Being female, being older, having a history of broken bones, Eating a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, and Consuming large amounts of alcohol.

7. Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra, Loss of height over time, and •A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected.

Jeremy:

1. Calcium helps to make strong bones, optimizes bone mass, and can help to minimize the risk of osteoporosis. 99 percent of the body's calcium is stored in bones, so if your body doesn’t get enough of it through consumption, then it will start stealing if from your...